Innovating Science® Engineer and Explore Materials for Prothetics

Learn about the materials that biomedical engineers use when creating prosthetic devices.

• Students will investigate the physical properties of various metals, ceramics, and polymers and then determine which materials would be most suitable for use in a hip replacement prosthetic. Students will also engineer their own prosthetic arm.
• Aligned to NGSS Practices
• Performance expectations: MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, HS-ETS1-2, HS-ETS1-3
• Disciplinary core ideas: ETS1.B, ETS1.C
• Cross cutting concepts include influence of science enginerring and technology on society and the natural world
• Engineering practices include engaging in argument from evidence, analyzing and interpreting data, constructing explanations and designing solutions

In this lab, students will explore the materials that biomedical engineers use when creating prosthetic devices. They will first investigate the physical properties of various metals, ceramics, and polymers to understand how they differ, and determine which materials would be most suitable for use in a hip replacement prosthetic. Students will then engineer their own prosthetic arm that meets certain design requirements and mimics the functionality of a real hand. Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups. Teacher's Manual and Student Study Guide copy masters are included.

Delivery information: Kit includes instructional manual and SDS booklet.

Caution: WARNING: children under 8 yrs. can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once.